Lupus and Social Security Disability

Hello and welcome to the Lupus Disability website, where you can learn more about how Social Security evaluates and decides disability cases arising from a lupus diagnosis. Here you will find specific information about pursuing disability claims arising from Lupus, case strategies that have proven effective in securing benefits for Lupus claimants, and ongoing dialogue about Lupus and Social Security Disability.

Additionally, if you are interested in pursuing a disability claim based on Lupus, or are currently in the process of a claim and would like our expert advice, please use the contact form on the right for a free case review.

Lupus and Social Security Disability

SLE or Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is most commonly known as Lupus, “a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disorder.” The disease typically affects the joints, kidneys, skin, and other organs. Although the disease is classified as rare, it is an autoimmune disease which can be extremely difficult to cope with. Unfortunately, the healthcare and medical industries have yet to find a cure for Lupus. They can only prescribe medications that help to control and ease the symptoms.

Lupus exhibits a number of different symptoms. These include:

Arthritis

Fever

Headaches

Pericarditis

Pleurisy

Rashes of the skin

Typically, NSAID’s (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are used to help with these symptoms, and little or no therapy is required. The skin rashes which result are typically treated with Corticosteroid creams or salves. It is also important to realize that there are 3 different forms of Lupus – discoid Lupus, systemic Lupus, and Lupus which is induced by drugs and/or medications.

Discoid Lupus attacks the skin and a biopsy of the rash is usually ordered to confirm this. Systemic Lupus, on the other hand is the one that attacks the internal organs and can also affect the nervous system and blood tests normally determine if this is the form of SLE that a person has. Additionally, the systemic form may have been there from the beginning while the discoid type developed as a symptom of it. Regardless, the disease can create some serious interruptions to a person’s lifestyle and their livelihood.

Depending on the severity of the condition, the disease may render the individual incapable of maintaining any form of employment, therefore creating a seriously negative financial situation for the person suffering with it. Fortunately, the Social Security Administration now recognizes Lupus as a disabling condition and SSDI benefits are awarded on a regular basis. However, based on the difficulties and time involved in the application process, it is recommended that a person with Lupus hire the services of an experienced Social Security Disability Attorney.

Court judges recognize the fact that SLE is a chronic and progressive condition which has no known cure. Despite the fact that other autoimmune conditions such as chronic fatigue and Fibromyalgia are no less disabling, Lupus oftentimes lends itself to a diagnosis which is more objective. Additionally, the judge will also be looking to see if you have maintained a regimen of doctors visits and taking medication. It will not help your case if you have been lax about this, so keep that in mind before you hire a Social Security Disability attorney and attempt to obtain those benefits that you need and truly deserve.